hold someone's hand
Support through difficulty
To hold someone's hand is literally to clasp their hand in yours—for comfort, connection, or guidance.
Figuratively, it means to give excessive support or walk someone through a process step by step: I can't hold your hand through every little task.
The phrase often carries a note of impatience, implying the person should be more independent.
Ease someone's doubts
- consoleComfort in distress
- sootheGently ease discomfort
- calmFree from agitation
- empathizeFeel what others feel
sympathize · solace · compassion · tenderness · gentleness · care · nurture · kindness
reassure
Ease someone's doubts
empathize · sympathize · solace · compassion · tenderness · gentleness · care · nurture · kindness · warmth
guide
Leader or instruction book
- mentorTrusted wisdom-giving advisor
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
- walk throughStep-by-step preliminary review
instruct · navigate · show · advise · coach · tutor · explain · demonstrate · orient · help along
hold someone's handabandon
Leave behind permanently
leave in the lurch · leave someone high and dry · desert · forsake · neglect
hold someone's handsink or swim
Succeed alone or fail
tough love · step back · let go · empower · micromanage
hold someone's handpull away
Increase your lead
push away · keep at arm's length · keep one's distance · recoil · withdraw
hold, someone, hand, holds, holding, holder, holders, holdings, behold